GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE & MOBILITY INNOVATION CHALLEGE
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Keynote Speakers

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MEET THE SPEAKERS

Current and Past Keynote Speakers

GAMIC speakers represent leading voices across mobility, technology, investment, and research. Each year’s program brings together experts who share practical insights on the forces reshaping transportation and innovation.

Explore speakers by year below, or reach out if you’re interested in contributing your perspective at a future GAMIC event.

Dr. Christopher 

Boronni-Bird
Founder, Afreecar LLC; Senior Advisor to McKinsey and EVage
Christopher Borroni-Bird focuses on sustainable and affordable mobility for all. Over a 25-year career spanning industry and research, he has led advanced mobility initiatives at organizations including Waymo, Qualcomm, MIT Media Lab, GM, and Chrysler. He now advises companies on autonomy, connectivity, and electrification through Afreecar and holds more than 50 patents related to future mobility technologies.

Jamie 

Butters
Founder, Butters Bureau LLC
Master of Ceremonies
Jamie Butters has covered the automotive industry in Detroit for more than 25 years. He is the founder of Butters Bureau LLC, a thought leadership and communications firm focused on automotive media, consulting, and public speaking. His career includes leadership roles at Automotive News, Bloomberg News, and The Wall Street Journal, along with reporting contributions to Bloomberg BusinessWeek and The New York Times.

Michael 

Frans
President, IAV Engineering Inc.
Michael Frans is President of IAV Automotive Engineering, North America, where he leads growth and strategic partnerships across the region. With more than 20 years in the automotive industry, he works at the intersection of engineering, software, and business strategy, supporting OEMs through the transition to software-defined vehicles, advanced propulsion systems, and next-generation mobility technologies, while connecting engineering innovation to real-world product execution.
John Jennings

John 

Jenings
Propulsion Technology Business Development, IAV
John Jennings leads the North American Propulsion Technology Business Development at IAV, advancing fully electric, hybrid and internal combustion powertrain technology solutions. With extensive experience in engineering, IP, and commercialization, he mentors GAMIC startups on product development, technical readiness, and industry adoption, helping founders bridge engineering excellence with real-world market impact.

Kas 

Kasravi
Clinical Professor and Director, University of Michigan - Dearborn
Kas Kasravi is a technology innovator with deep interests in artificial intelligence, analytics, patent law, invention methodologies, and 3D printing. He has developed solutions across engineering, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, financial, insurance, and defense sectors. Kas holds 30 granted patents with additional applications pending, frequently speaks at conferences, and has taught engineering at several universities. Outside of work, he plays the harpsichord, enjoys Baroque music, and has won an international photography contest.

David 

McShane
Executive Vice President of Strategic Services, Autotech Ventures
David McShane connects emerging technologies with disruptive business models across the automotive, transportation, and mobility sectors. He works closely with strategic investors, corporations, and innovators to accelerate technology commercialization and unlock new opportunities. With a background in engineering and power electronics, David focuses on helping organizations access transformative technologies while supporting visionary entrepreneurs shaping the future of mobility.

Nicholas 

Myers
Co-Founder and CEO, Phoenix Tailings
Nicholas Myers is the co-founder and CEO of Phoenix Tailings, a clean-technology company transforming mining waste into rare earth metals and other critical materials with zero toxic byproducts or direct carbon emissions. His work focuses on strengthening domestic supply chains for the energy transition and advanced manufacturing. Nicholas previously worked with Techstars and other technology ventures and frequently speaks on cleantech innovation, industrial resilience, and critical minerals.
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